The existing set of ISL clubs raided the roster of Bengaluru FC (BFC), who are now
part of the Indian Super League (ISL) having left the challenge of the I-League behind. BFC constants
such as Eugeneson Lyngdoh, CK Vineeth and Sandesh Jhingan were signed by Atletico de Kolkata and
Kerala Blasters respectively. To their credit, BFC used their funds wisely to sign back as many of their
existing players as possible. For a total of INR 169 lakh, the 3-time I-League champions bought back
Lenny Rodrigues, Alwyn George, Harmanjot Khabra, Lalthuammawia Ralte, and Calvin Abhishek.
They were allowed to retain captain fantastic Sunil Chhetri, Daniel Lalhlimpuia (only for the AFC
Cup), Udanta Singh, Nishu Kumar, John Johnson and Juanan. From the draft, the southerners drafted
in newbies Joyner Lourenco, Boithang and Thongkosiem Haokip, Subashish Bose and Rahul Bheke in
addition to bringing in midfielders Bidyananda and Robinson Singh
Spanish coach Albert Roca brought in more faces to the club’s foreign contingent in the form of
Dimas Delgago, Erik Paartalu, Antonio Davale and Braulio Nobgrega. With a strong Indian core
supplemented by experienced foreign faces, Roca has a squad that can challenge for the ISL title this
season.
